According to an official obituary for the star posted to his website, Buffett died at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, at age 76 on Friday from Merkel cell skin cancer — which he had been diagnosed with four years ago. (Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that often begins as "red, shiny nodules on the face, hands and neck," per the MD Anderson Cancer Center.)
Buffett continued to perform during his cancer treatments, per the obituary. His last show took place in July during a surprise appearance in Rhode Island.
The ''Margaritaville" singer is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane; his daughters, Savannah and Sarah Delaney; his son, Cameron; two sisters, Laurie and Lucy, his grandson Marley and his "devoted pack of dogs" Lola, Kingston, Pepper, Rosie, Ajax and Kody.
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In lieu of flowers, Buffett's family is asking fans to instead make donations to Jimmy Buffett’s Foundation Singing for Change, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
A statement posted on his social media and website on Saturday confirmed that Buffett died on Friday night with his family and friends around him.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs," the statement — which was accompanied by a touching photograph of Buffett sitting on a boat — read.
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"He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," the statement concluded.
In the months leading up to his death, Buffett — whose new album Equal Strain on All Parts was due to be released later this year — faced health issues that prompted him to cancel or postpone several shows.